The Star in Nairobi reports that The Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) has back-tracked on its threat to “switch off” unauthorised broadcast frequency users and is now offering offenders the opportunity to voluntarily remove themselves from the airwaves.

Despite a 30-day ultimatum issued to unlicensed radio and TV stations by the CCK in May and the threat of legal action for non-compliance, the report claims the stations continue to operate.

CCK acting Director General, Francis Wangusi, has been quoted as saying via email that, “”Regarding the switching off of the unauthorised frequencies, the Commission is finalizing the process including the possibility of the affected users switching off by themselves”.

According to the report 22 radio stations and two TV stations were operating without a valid license. Stations that were put on notice in May included Royal Media’s Egesa, Chamgei, Ramogi, Radio Citizen, Mulembe, Inooro, Muga and Bahari FM using illegal frequencies in various parts of the country.”

Operating radio services without a license can lead to a fine of Kshs 5 million and/ or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.